Great Lakes Steward Ship Initiative Northeast Michigan

To guide the conservation of Michigan’s biodiversity by providing the highest quality scientific expertise and information.

The Michigan Natural Features Inventory has been generating and disseminating the highest quality scientific information on the location and condition of Michigan's rare species and habitats for more than 35 years; the last 15 years as a program of Michigan State University Extension.

Our team of experts in ecology, botany, zoology, and aquatic zoology conduct research and field surveys of rare vascular plants and animals (insects, mammals, birds, mussels, snails, reptiles, amphibians, and fish), as well as rare and/or high quality natural communities.

We also research issues related to biodiversity conservation and provide that information and consultation to a wide variety of decision makers, practitioners, and the public.

As stewards of the Michigan Natural Heritage Database, one of more than 80 programs in the international NatureServe network, we provide the most authoritative, comprehensive and up-to-date scientific information available to guide conservation of Michigan’s biodiversity.